Cindy McCain says she'll never release her tax returns

[Terri]

By AP STAFF
Associated Press
May 9, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cindy McCain says she will never make her tax returns public even if her husband wins the White House and she becomes the first lady.

''You know, my husband and I have been married 28 years and we have filed separate tax returns for 28 years. This is a privacy issue. My husband is the candidate,'' Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting John McCain, said in an interview aired on NBC's ''Today'' on Thursday.

Asked if she would release her tax returns if she was first lady, Cindy McCain said: ''No.''

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[84rules]

I don't recall there ever being a requirement for the spouses of political candidates to release their tax returns. When did this become an issue?

[Ben_Colder]

Yes, this is a privacy concern. Cindy McCain is not running for office. I do believe there are those who will make this an issue just as Senator McCains age is being used.

[FlaJim]

The whole business of releasing tax returns to the public is an oddity. It's never accomplished anything meaningful.

It was fun to ridicule both the Clintons and Gores received for their measly charitable donations. Actually, the write-offs that Clinton filed for his used underwear were pretty good, too.

Still, there was nothing truly meaningful there. Most people are aware that most lefties are pikers when it comes to charitable giving, believing that to be the province of government.

[Wild Bill]

Kerry's wife refused to release her tax returns. Where was Dean at that time? Where was the media? This was never a requirement unless it is a Republican?

[ddrinsp]

IMO Sen. McCain and his wife have kept their finances separate throughout their marriage. Cindy McCain's wealth in from her family's estate and remain as such due to a prenuptial agreement. Obama and Hillary filed joint tax returns with their spouses and therefore required that their joint tax returns be publicly released.

Diana, a Texas grandmother